Venezuela Reaches Agreement with US to Resume Deportation Flights
Venezuela has reestablished an agreement to accept U.S. deportation flights after significant tensions over previous deportations. The renewed efforts are aimed at addressing human rights concerns, while the U.S. steps up its immigration enforcement measures. Approximately 900 Venezuelans have been repatriated since February, amidst ongoing diplomatic conflicts and an immigration crackdown in the U.S.
On Saturday, Venezuela announced a renewed agreement with the United States to accept deportation flights of its citizens. This decision follows a controversial deportation of over 200 Venezuelans suspected of gang affiliations, sent to El Salvador. The flights had previously been halted after disagreements arose concerning Venezuela’s compliance with prior arrangements.
The U.S. deported 238 Venezuelans linked to the Tren de Aragua gang, classified by the Trump administration as a foreign terrorist organization. Venezuelan negotiator Jorge Rodriguez emphasized the importance of addressing human rights in repatriations, stating, “In order to ensure the return of our countrymen with the protection of their human rights, we have agreed with the US government to resume the repatriation of Venezuelan migrants.”
Rodriguez, who also leads Venezuela’s National Assembly, remarked that migratory actions are not criminal and pledged efforts to aid those wanting to return home, as well as assisting Venezuelans held in El Salvador. This upcoming flight marks the fifth such operation since the Trump administration began. Roughly 900 Venezuelans have been repatriated from various locations since February.
Tensions have escalated between the two nations due to the U.S. revocation of Chevron’s operational permissions in Venezuela, straining the country’s struggling economy. The diplomatic relationship deteriorated in 2019 after the U.S. recognized opposition leader Juan Guaido as interim president amid claims of flawed elections.
Under the Biden administration, some sanctions were relaxed as part of negotiations concerning American prisoners and commitments to electoral reforms; however, those reforms have yet to materialize. The U.S. has also targeted the Tren de Aragua gang through stringent measures. Concurrently, the Biden administration rescinded the legal status of many Venezuelan immigrants, demanding they leave the U.S. within 30 days.
Trump has committed to a major immigration enforcement initiative that includes unprecedented deportations. Meanwhile, the Venezuelan crisis continues, with over seven million people having fled the country due to the economic collapse under Maduro.
Venezuela’s agreement to resume deportation flights from the United States marks a significant development in U.S.-Venezuelan relations. Following a series of tensions surrounding deportations and diplomatic initiatives, the renewed arrangement highlights ongoing complexities in the immigration and geopolitical landscape. As both countries navigate these challenges, the humanitarian implications for Venezuelan migrants remain a critical concern.
Original Source: www.iosconews.com
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